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Investments (Mortgage Loans by Method of Evaluation and Related Valuation Allowances) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Mortgage Loans:
Total mortgage loans	$ 3,614,446	$ 3,136,764
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net, (Investment Based Operations Presentation) [Abstract]
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of valuation allowances)	3,607,700	3,129,951
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member]
Mortgage Loans:
Evaluated individually for credit losses	6,913	16,421
Evaluated collectively for credit losses	3,607,533	3,120,343
Total mortgage loans	3,614,446	3,136,764
Valuation Allowances:
Specific for credit losses	0	588
Non-specifically identified credit losses	6,746	6,225
Total valuation allowances	$ 6,746	$ 6,813

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The valuation allowance for financing receivables that are expected to be uncollectible that were collectively evaluated for impairment.

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Amount before allowance of commercial loans issued to businesses to acquire, develop, construct, improve, or refinance land or building. Includes deferred interest and fees, undisbursed portion of loan balance, unamortized costs and premiums and discounts from face amounts. Excludes loans covered under loss sharing agreements.

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The balance represents the amount of loans that are secured by real estate mortgages, offset by the reserve to cover probable credit losses on the loan portfolio.

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